8 Fascinating Facts About Anxiety: Symptoms, Statistics, and Efforts to Reduce the Stigma

Anxiety is the most common mental health disorder in the U.S., affecting close to 40 million adults, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)1. That’s about 18% of the population! However, only about one-third of those who struggle with anxiety receive treatment. One likely reason for this may be the stigma surrounding mental health. Due to this stigma, those who struggle with mental health concerns may lack social support, become isolated, and carry low self-esteem. Since it’s Mental Health Awareness Month, now is the perfect time to spark the conversation about mental health and give people a deeper understanding of it.

Below you’ll find eight facts on anxiety to help clear up any confusion on this mental health condition:

Anxiety breaks down into six categories: generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Symptoms vary according to the specific type of anxiety, but in most cases, people who suffer from them often feel “on edge” or nervous, experience insomnia, and shortness of breath.

2. Anxiety is more prevalent in developed countries and among women

The U.S. is considered one of the most anxious nations on earth3. Furthermore, most types of anxiety disorders are more prevalent among women than men4, except for OCD and social anxiety disorder, which affect both sexes equally5.

3. About half of those diagnosed with anxiety disorders also suffer from depression6

This can make their symptoms worse and recovery even more difficult… which is why seeking out proper treatment is essential.

4. Anxiety makes everything stink — literally

People with anxiety disorders tend to label neutral smells as bad smells. Professor Win Li explains, “In typical odor processing, it is usually just the olfactory system that gets activated. But when a person becomes anxious, the emotional system becomes part of the olfactory processing stream7.”

5. There are natural remedies that can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety

As little as 20 minutes of exercise may temporarily lessen feelings of anxiety. It can even help reduce anxiety when faced with a stressful situation afterwards8. Meditation is another remedy. One study found that four 20-minute meditation classes helped reduce anxiety by up to 39 percent9! Another study found that people with healthier diets, including food with omega-3 fatty acids (like Wild Alaskan Salmon), probiotics (kefir, pickles, sauerkraut), and b-vitamins (avocados, almonds) tended to be less anxious than those who followed more “western” diets of processed, fried, or sugary foods10.

6. Genetics play a role in anxiety

If one or both of your parents suffer from anxiety, there’s a higher chance that you’ll experience it as well11. Most likely, both genetics and environment play a part. People who’ve gone through traumatic experiences, such as abuse or the sudden death of a loved one, may develop anxiety disorders as well.

7. Anxious people are more sensitive to changes in facial expressions

People with anxiety are quicker to perceive changes in facial expressions than those without anxiety — however, they are less accurate when perceiving their meanings. It is easy for those who struggle with anxiety to overthink and jump into conclusions12. This may lead to tension and conflict in relationships.

People with social anxiety usually think they don’t do well in social situations, but new research indicates otherwise13! Friends of those with social anxiety tend to think very highly of their nervous companions. This is possibly due to how sensitive anxious people can sometimes be — meaning, they think before speaking and always consider the feelings of others.

Anxiety is not a rare condition and it is very much treatable. Greater visibility leads to greater social support. Educating others and being open about mental health may help people become less ashamed to discuss their own mental health issues. If you or somebody you know is suffering from anxiety or any other mental health issue, encourage them to seek help. Let’s help end the stigma together!

While there may be information on the Neurocore website relating to certain conditions, should a medical condition exist, promptly see your own physician or health provider. Neurocore does not offer medical diagnosis or treatment advice. Neurocore makes no claims that it can cure any conditions, including any conditions referenced on its website or in print materials, including ADHD, anxiety, autism, depression, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, migraines, headaches, stress, sleep disorders, Alzheimer’s and dementia. If you take prescription medications for any of these conditions, you should consult with your physician before discontinuing use of such medications.